To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month.
While remembering that February is Black History Month, and finding specific connections to Nebraska, I read an article this morning sent to me by Lori Sailors here at the Library Commission. The article is definitely connected to Nebraska. In particular: Lincoln, Nebraska.
Hansen: Century-old photos of Lincoln African-Americans headed to Smithsonian is about a collection of photographs dating from 1910-1925 of Lincoln’s black community, taken by John Johnson, an African-American resident of Lincoln, and the son of an escaped slave. It’s a great article, with a few photographs featured at the beginning, and a link to more of the collection about mid-way down the page.
In following the Lincoln and Nebraska connection to Black History Month,
Nebraska Memories also has a collection of African-American photographs. There are two that stand out as being Lincoln specific: the Lincoln Police Department in 1895 and 1907, both of which include J.C. Earley, the first African-American police officer in Lincoln.
To see more photographs of African-American Nebraskans, including
children,
musicians,
boxers, and even
two women with a turkey, please visit
Nebraska Memories. No matter who or what you search for, you’ll be surprised by what you find, and learn, about Nebraska history!
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the
Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see
Introduction to Participating in Nebraska Memories for more information, or contact
Beth Goble, Historical Projects Librarian, or
Devra Dragos, Technology & Access Services Director.
